Hundreds gather for Tax Day Tea Party in Syracuse (video, photo gallery)

John Berry / The Post-StandardRonald Frodelius of Fayetteville flies an American flag upside-down as "a sign of distress for our country" during today's Tax Day Tea Party protest outside of the James M. Hanley Federal Building in Syracuse.

Tax Day Tea Party in SyracuseProtesters gathered infront of the James M. Hanley Federal Building today to voice their opposition against the spending policies of the government.

Syracuse, NY -- Hundreds of demonstrators are gathering today in downtown Syracuse for a "Tax Day Tea Party."

It's one of more than 1,500 rallies planned in 550 American cities on the deadline day for Americans to pay their 2008 income taxes.

Debbie Grenier from Pompey said she has never come out to a protest or demonstration before but feels the extensive spending in Washington needs to stop.

"I don't like the bailouts and all taxation that is going on right now," Grenier said, who came out today with her husband and seven children. "I'm nervous about the taxes that are coming and worried that we are going to lose our freedom of speech."

The demonstration began at 11:30 a.m. outside the James M. Hanley Federal Building.

Hundreds of people carrying signs and waving flags responded to organizer Joanne Wilder's speech with cheers and applause.

A second local demonstration is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. today at Long Branch Park in Liverpool.